Tomorrow we are going to walk to the Dairy Queen for a treat (bring money if you want something) and then go to Rapers Park. I sent permission forms home.

Last day of school is tomorrow!

For Blue Mountain trip Monday:

Please wear closed toe shoes. Running shoes are best. No crocs.

Bring lunch or money to buy lunch (remember have only 30 minutes to eat).

Bicycle and helmets are provided by Blue Mountain.

French:

I finished reading Le tour de monde en 80 jours. The plan is to watch the movie on Tuesday. We also watched the last two episodes of Extra French. That completes the series. Some students finished their media art and helped with grad decorations.

Please remember to bring permission and Blue Mountain consent forms. Our trip is this Monday, June 27!

-Mme. McCurdy

English:

Students watched the movie Lord of the Flies.

-Mr. Embacher

French language:
Mr. Luptak read two more chapters of Le tour du monde en 80 jours. Then students watched another episode of Extra French. For gym, students played basketball. I packed another classroom!

This afternoon students worked on their media art project and helped make decorations for grade 8 grad.

I sent permission and Blue Mountain forms. Please return both forms signed and read through entire package. MCS has kindly subsidized $20 per student for this excursion, so the cost is only $20 per students:)

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:
Students finished the last section of grammar and completed passe compose of various verbs. Then Emma Wright read the next two chapters of Le tour du monde en 80 jours. Next students watched another episode of Extra French.

Please remember to bring photos for media art project.

Finally, we are going to Blue Mountain this Monday, June 27 to mountain bike and climb high ropes. I will send permission and Blue Mountain consent forms home tomorrow. I am just waiting to hear about the cost of the bus and how much MCS is contributing in order to determine the final cost per student.

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:
Students finished the last section of grammar and completed passe compose of various verbs. Then Emma Wright read the next two chapters of Le tour du monde en 80 jours. Next students watched another episode of Extra French.

Please remember to bring photos for media art project.

Finally, we are going to Blue Mountain this Monday, June 27 to mountain bike and climb high ropes. I will send permission and Blue Mountain consent forms home tomorrow. I am just waiting to hear about the cost of the bus and how much MCS is contributing in order to determine the final cost per student.

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:
Students finished the last section of grammar and completed passe compose of various verbs. Then Emma Wright read the next two chapters of Le tour du monde en 80 jours. Next students watched another episode of Extra French.

Please remember to bring photos for media art project.

Finally, we are going to Blue Mountain this Monday, June 27 to mountain bike and climb high ropes. I will send permission and Blue Mountain consent forms home tomorrow. I am just waiting to hear about the cost of the bus and how much MCS is contributing in order to determine the final cost per student.

-Mme. McCurdy

Friday, June 17, 2016

French language:
Students worked on their final art project, media art. Students are encouraged to bring in photos. I will colour photocopy and return the original.

Middle block:
Students sold their items for what appeared to be a very successful business fair.

Last block:
Heroes for Hope Assembly. Both Evan and I are sporting new hairdos. Thank you for your donations:)

Monday, June 20, 2016

We started the day with grammar, conjugating irregular 'ir' verbs. Students started to fill in a verb package. I read another chapter of Le tour de monde dans 80 jours. We watched another episode of Extra French. Then we went outside for gym to play soccer-baseball.

French language:
In gym, we played a game of soccer-baseball. Students are starting to understand the rules, some playing strategically. Then we completed another section of grammar, reviewing the verb tense, imparfait, and filling the imparfait section of our verb chart. Finally I read a couple of chapters of Le tour du monde en 80 jours.

Middle block:
Since Mr. Kolakowsky is on a field trip with his class, I read another chapter of Le tour du monde en 80 jours. Then students watched another episode of Extra Francais.

Science:
Students watched a documentary on the birth and death of a star.

*Please remember to bring photos for media art project.

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:
Much to the excitement of all students, we started the day with grammar, learning about 'ir' verbs. Then I read another chapter of Le tour du monde dans 80 jours. Next we watched another episode of Extra French. Finally we went out to play soccer-baseball in gym.

This afternoon we helped get things ready for the MCS Talent Show and Art Club original art sale ($5-25). Then we watched the Talent show. Both events are happening again tonight at 7pm.

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:
This morning we read another chapter of Le tour du monde en 80 jours. Then we met SVE students and walked to GBSS for a lunch of hot dogs, vegetables, watermelon, and drinks. After we toured the school.

Tomorrow is the talent show! Our Art club will be selling their art to raise money to donate to a good cause.

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:
This morning we played soccer/baseball outside. Then I read three chapters of Le tour du monde en 80 jours. Then we watched another episode of Extra French.

Science:
We watched a documentary on area 51 in Nevada, a top secret CIA location.

*Students need to collect items for their novel 'suitcases' and photos for their media art projects.This is due Friday.

**Please sign and return permissions forms for tomorrow's trip to GBSS. In addition to the tour, students get a hot dog, watermelon, and a drink.

-Mme. McCurdy

From yesterday...

French language:
This morning I read the first two chapters of the novel, Le tour du monde en 80 jours. Then we watched another episode of the Extra French sitcom. Then we played basketball outside for gym.

-Mme. McCurdy

Math: 

The students reviewed ratios and rates from last week. They worked on some questions and word problems.

English:

Students were putting the finishing touches on their advertisements. The business fair is this Friday so these commercials need to be ready to go by Friday at the latest. Some students may have to work on manufacturing their products and finishing their commercials at home.

- Mr. E

The students had a supply this morning (so that Mrs. McCurdy could finish clearing out the science room for the move). They finished some art, watched a documentary on space, and then had gym outside.

Math: The students learned about rates today. After the lesson and few examples on the board, they did some practice problems from the textbook.

This afternoon was Jump Rope for Heart. The entire school went outside for a circuit of fun heart-pumping games and activities... and some freezes too.

Have a great weekend,

- Mr. E

French language:
Since half the class was away at area track and field and my report cards are due tomorrow, today was a 'complete all outstanding work' day. Gr6's finished sculptures, pop art, and 3D perspectives art and started to work on their suitcases for Jean Baptiste. Gr7's finished their geography assignments that were supposed to be finished during EQAO.

Science:
Gr7's learned about and completed two experiments on radiation, the final method of heat transfer. Instead of a test, I had them they design two homes, one in a hot climate and the other in a cold climate. They had to use their knowledge on conduction, convection, and radiation to ensure energy efficiency.

A big thank you to Geneva, Mya, and Alec for helping me clean out and pack up the science room while the gr7's were doing science:)

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:
This morning gr6's finished their research on and explained how space exploration has benefited society and then worked on their suitcases for Jean Baptiste.

Please ensure that students competing at area track and field tomorrow are dressed for cool weather and have completed permissions forms. There is no $1 charge.

-Mme. McCurdy

Math:
The grade 6's continued to explore integers today. They used 2-colour tiles and number lines to learn the concept of adding positive and negative integers. After the lesson, the students worked on some addition problems involving integers.

To celebrate the end of EQAO testing, we had a little celebration with pizza, drinks, and snacks. We watched the move Inside Out.

- Mr. E

French language:
This morning we listened to the motivational speaker, Cam Calkoen, at GBSS. He was awesome!

Science:
Gr6's completed two activities using a long strip of folded paper and playdoh to learn about distance between and sizes of planets. Then they started researching how society benefits from space exploration. This is their culminating activity.

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:
The gr7 went off to the OEC. After drama, the gr6's learned about pop art and recreated Andy Warhol paintings. Students also finished their sculptures.

I sent home a permission for to watch a motivational speaker at GBSS tomorrow. My apologies for the last minute notification. I thought it was for intermediate students only.

Math:

We reviewed equivalent ratios from last week and did a sample problem on the board, as well some practice questions from the textbook. We then moved on to have a peek ahead at integers. The grade 6's are not expected to be able to do operations with integers yet, but they have been coming up a fair bit in other work. With the 7's away, I thought this would be a good opportunity for them to preview some of next year's math curriculum content.

In lieu of language, we did some DPA time outside for last period. We played a little bit of Ultimate Frisbee. The students deserved a little break after EQAO.

- Mr. E

French language:
We spent the first two periods determining and finding solutions to our ecological footprint. We came back to watch an episode of Extra French. Then we continued our soccer-baseball game.

Middle block:
Gr6's planted strawberries in the community garden as part of the OPP Kids Pay it Forward program. The gr5's and gr7's helped clean and pack up the classroom to get ready for the Open house this Saturday and our impending move to GBSS.

Last block:
We had the Arts Assembly.

PD Day tomorrow!

French language:
We spent the morning at the Meaford Pavillion stuffing scarecrows!

Tomorrow gr6's are walking to GBSS to plant strawberries in the community garden. Please remember permission forms:)

June newsletter is posted in Links.

-Mme. McCurdy

Math: 

After a quick review, the students wrote algebra quiz version 2.0 today. I have a feeling that the results will be much improved. We then had a brief lesson on equivalent ratios.

English Language:

The students continued to work on their Business Projects. The advertisements are starting to take shape and show promise.

Homework: 

Begin to mass produce your products for the upcoming business fair (date TBD).

- Mr. E

French language:
We discussed our memorable moments this year for yearbook:) We also talked about things we will miss about MCS:( Then gr6's wrote EQAO and gr7's went with Mr. Harding for gym.

Middle block:
Gr6's finished EQAO while the gr6's went to dance and worked on their independent work from this morning.

Science:
Gr6's learned about faces of the moon (experiment), craters (experiment), tides, and lunar and solar eclipses. Gr7's learned about and completed an experiment on conduction heat and started to learn about radiation.

*I am still missing permission forms for over half the class for scarecrow stuffing tomorrow. No slip no trip (or treat).

**I am also looking for permission forms for GBSS community garden strawberry planting for Thursday (gr6's only).

French language:
We watched TV5monde news. Then gr6's wrote EQAO and gr7's were with Mr. Balen working on their geography and reading. Then we all went out to play soccer-baseball for gym.

Math:

We took up the algebra quiz from last Friday. Some students needed to review some of the core algebraic concepts from the quiz. There will be a follow-up quiz on Friday so that these students can have an additional opportunity to demonstrate their understanding. 

English Language:

The students had the entire language block to work on their advertisement scripts, shoot scenes for their ads, and develop other promotional materials for their products. The students are to have their advertisements completed by Friday June 10th.

- Mr E

Mme. McCurdy was away today. The students had Mr. Frank as a supply.

Math:

Our math block was partially interrupted by an off-site code red drill.The students did some review and practice for the algebra quiz. They went on to write the quiz after the break. 

English Language:

We read a current events news article on the Fort McMurray wildfire disaster. The students are to write a short opinion paragraph on the following topic:

The wildfire spread incredibly quickly and people had to leave their homes with little warning. They often only had a few minutes to pack a couple belongings before they left.
If you were in their situation, what precious few belongings would you make sure you took with you? Why did you choose these items?

Students will share their paragraphs on Monday.

- Mr E

French language:
We watched and discussed TV5monde news. Gr6's wrote the second part of EQAO language. Gr7's continued to work on their geographie and la valise d'hana. Then both groups went to the gym to play ultimate frisbee.

Science:
Gr6's made sundials to tell the time, used a mirror to see sun spots, and reproduction of the earth and the sun to understand why we have seasons. Because there was not enough sun, we will try again after EQAO tomorrow. Gr7's conducted two experiments to learn about convection currents and learned about wind patterns.

Tomorrow is the first part of EQAO math so please get a good night's sleep:)

I sent permission forms home for scarecrow stuffing next Wed, June 1.

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:
We watched and discussed the French news on TV5monde. Then gr6's completed language part A while the gr7's were with Mr. Balen working on assigned geography and La valise d'Hana.

-Mme. McCurdy

Math:
Today's math lesson was on ratios. Students learned how to come up with "part-to-part" and "part-to-whole" ratios when comparing quantities in everyday situations. They then applied their learning to some questions from the textbook.

The students attended the Jump Rope for Heart kickoff assembly during the second half of the middle block.

English Language:
A few more groups demonstrated their product prototypes to the class. The other students asked questions and provided feedback. The remainder of the period was reserved for the students to work on their business plans, script their advertisements, and shoot their advertisements using the iPads.

At the end of the day, the persuasive essay assignments and the percentage quizzes were returned to students with grades and comments.

- Mr. E

French language:
We started the day in gym playing soccer-baseball, equipe McCurdy contre equipe Harding. Then gr6's read the last chapter of Jean Baptiste coureur de bois. Gr7's continued to read La valise d'Hana. Both grades are to complete a reading response and 'suitcase' (see success criteria in Pages). Due date to be announced.

Science:
Gr6's learned about the sun, patterns of light and darkness, and why we have seasons. Gr7's learned about heat and the particle theory, and heat transfer through convection (liquid and gases).

Tomorrow is gr6 EQAO. It will be from 9:35-11:15am for the next five days. Because I am administering the test, gr7's will be with Mr. Balen and responsible for completing a work package.

-Mme. McCurdy

Mrs. McCurdy was away at the GSA symposium today.

Math:

We continued to work on translating word problems into algebraic equations and then solving the equations when given values for particular variables. There will be a short algebra quiz for both 6's and 7's on Wednesday of next week.

English Language: 

The students read a short piece on fly-fishing and then responded to some comprehension questions. We took up our responses and discussed the makings of a level 4 responses.

The students continued to work on planning and scripting advertisements for their "Real Business Projects."

Homework:
1) Have a safe and and fun long weekend. Grade 6's: be rested and ready for EQAO next week!

- Mr. E

Today was Junior Track and Field day. The weather was perfect and our grade 6's demonstrated admirable amounts of skill, determination, and sportsmanship in all the events that they competed in. The grade 7's assisted with set-up and with the officiating of events.

Tomorrow is Intermediate Track and Field day (which the grade 7's will compete in).

- Mme. McCurdy & Mr. E

French language:
The day started with relays around the school and then one last practice at the field events. Tomorrow is junior track and field. Students were reminded to dress in layers as it will be cool in the am, to pack lots of water, and wear sunscreen.

Mrs. James, a friend of mine, joined our class today to observe our French class. She used to teach French many years ago and is hoping to become a French supply teacher. We watched the news on TV5monde. Then we read Jean Baptiste and La Valise d'Hana in our guided reading groups.

After lunch, we watched the first episode of Extra French. This is a sitcom from France that is like the TV show, Friends. Then Mr. K wanted our class to join his class to practice some more for track and field.

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:

We watched the news on TV5monde. Then gr6 students went to Miss Andresen's room to plant various fruit and vegetable seeds as part of the OPP Pay it forward program. Once they have sprouted and weather is favourable, we will plant them at the Meaford community gardens (date TBA). Gr7's learned about non-renewable resources and started to research how to preserve them. Then we went outside to practice jumping and throwing events for track and field.

-Mme. McCurdy

English Language:

A few students/groups demonstrated their product prototypes for their businesses. The students began to plan their TV advertisements for their respective products. We spent some time exploring the different types of camera angles and other filming techniques employed in advertisement media. The students got to try out some of these techniques on iMovie which they will be using to create their commercials.

Math:

Today we explored how to use input/output tables with algebraic expressions. We worked through one word problem as a class and then the students had to apply their learning to another independently. I sent home an algebra math package to reinforce some of the basic algebraic concepts.

Homework:

1) Algebra package (Due Friday)
2) Continue to develop product prototype
3) Secure business loan from trusted adult (get the loan document signed).

- Mr. E

French language:
After drama, students learned about famous sculptors and sculptures. Then they twisted hangers and placed ends in wood to create abstract sculptures. I ran out of nylons so we will finish on Monday:)

Please return 2 track and field permission forms. Gr7 and gr6 students will help with junior and intermediate track and field, respectively.

-Mme. McCurdy

Happy Friday!

English Language:

The students finished up making their short business presentations/pitches to their classmates. They are expected to have their business loan secured and their product prototype ready by next week.

Math:

We explored ways to utilize variables and algebraic equations to forecast profits (or losses) in a business venture scenario. The students then continued to work on the algebra package that they started on Wednesday.

Homework:
1) Secure business loan
2) Design product prototype
3) Work on EQAO math package (gr. 6's only)

-Mr. E

French language:
Most gr6's finished their humanitarian organization brochure. I am very impressed. I will get them colour photocopied this weekend. Gr6's will present their brochure on Monday and Tuesday of next week.  Gr7's learned about natural resources and the importance of recycling non-renewable resources.

Math:
Gr6 and gr7 completed a coordinate grid picture to practice plotting points. This afternoon students wrote the transformations and similar, congruent, and dilation tests, respectively. Those who finished then read chapters of their guided reading books, Jean Baptiste and La valise d'Hana.

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:
Congratulations to our gr6's who graduated from OPP kids this morning! The gr7's continued to research solutions on how we are going to feed the world in 40 years. The entire school was then treated to a K9 performance from the police dogs. I will review math tomorrow morning to make sure gr6 & gr7 students are prepared for their respective tests.

-Mme. McCurdy

Math:

Today, the grade 7's wrote the Gauss math contest, which is created by the University of Waterloo. They wrote it 'informally' - not as a competition per se, Rather, it was a great way for the students to be exposed to some high level mathematics designed by some of the best math educators in the country. I am looking forward to going over the results with them as it will provide a nice overview of their strengths and growth areas.

The grade 6's spent the afternoon practising for the math portion of the upcoming EQAO test which is only 2 weeks away now. They will likely have some additional EQAO packages sent home over the next 2 weeks.

English Language: 

In preparation for the advertising portion of the business project, we watched a short video called "Spin and Sell" which explored elements of marketing, branding and persuasion. Then the students had to prepare a short business pitch to deliver in front of the classmates where they laid out their product idea, materials, costs, target market, etc. Classmates then had an opportunity to ask questions and offer constructive criticism for each business plan. We will continue this process on Friday.

Homework:
1) Design prototype of product(s) for business project
2) Secure business loan from a trusted adult  

- Mr. E

French language:
In gym we ran a relay race around the school. We also rotated through ball toss, long & triple jump, and high jump. Then gr6's and gr7's went to the lab to work on brochures and solutions to feed the world, respectively.

Math:
Gr6's reviewed the transformation package. Although reflections, rotations, and translations were well understood, there were difficulties when combined in multiple transformations. Therefore I asked students to fix mistakes and we will review again tomorrow.  Gr7's learned about dilations. Both groups will have a test this Thursday, May 12.

-Mme McCurdy

French language:
While gr6's worked in their brochures in the computer lab, gr7's learned about agriculture patterns and began a research project on solutions to feed a growing population. Instead of gym, we attended a Q Mack anti-bullying workshop featuring beat-boxing and basketball tricks.

-Mme. McCurdy

Math:

During the middle block there was an assembly with an additional presentation by Q Mack and J-Box.

We started a new unit on algebra today. The students learned about equations and variables. They learned how to 'solve for x' when given a single variable equation involving addition, subtraction, and/or multiplication (ie. 5x +3 = 18 > 5x = 18 - 3 > 5x = 15 > x = 15/5 > x = 3). They then applied these algebraic concepts to some word problems for which they had to translate real-world scenarios into algebraic equations (and then solve them).

English Language:

Students had more time to develop their product ideas for their business project. They will be bringing home copies of the loan agreement and attempting to find investors for their business. There is a little blurb on the back for parents. Please take some time to read over and discuss their business plans. DO NOT lend any money until you feel that they have carefully thought through and planned for all the necessary details in their business plan. Thanks in advance for your cooperation with this.

Homework:
1) Begin to build product prototypes to show teacher and prospective buyers
2) Secure business loan from a (familiar) adult investor (by Friday)

- Mr. E

French language:

After drama students worked on Mother's day art. Joyeux fetes des meres!

Mme. McCurdy

Math:

After a short review lesson, the students wrote a quiz on percents today. They seem to have done a great job!

English Language:

The students continued to develop ideas for their products for their "Real Business Project." Information on the project will be sent out on Monday.

- Mr.E

French language:
Gr6's were disappointed that this morning was their last OPP kids presentation; however, we look forward to the graduation (TBA). Gr7's attended the second part of the Mental Health presentation. Then we went outside and practiced the 100m, triple jump, and ball throw for gym class.

Math:
Gr6's worked on reflections, translations, rotations, and multiple transformations of shapes. Gr7's learned about congruent and similar shapes. Homework is whatever was not finished in class. This is due on Tuesday, May 10. There will likely be gr6 & 7 math tests on Thursday, May 12 if students are ready.

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:

This morning we watched TV5monde, a French daily news series. Content is challenging so we had to make frequent pauses for explanations. Gr7's finished the science test with great results! While gr6's researched their humanitarian organizations on iPads, the gr7's orally read two more chapters of La Valise d'Hana. While gr6's researched the Hoover Dam on iPads, the gr6's orally read chapter 12.

-Mme. McCurdy

Math:

The students learned how to determine the value of the percentage of a given number (ie. find 40% of 144) using a variety of strategies including estimation, halving, and of course, converting to decimal and multiplying. They then worked on some problems that utilized these skills (which is to be finished for homework).

English Language:

The students started taking the preliminary steps in their 'real business project.' They organized themselves into pairs (or decided to go solo) and came up with a viable idea for their product(s). Parents, please stay tuned for more information on this project. Be warned that you may be approached and propositioned for a 'small' business loan from your child. More to follow.

Homework:

Finish percentage math worksheet

- Mr. E

French language:

We had a quick 20 minute computer lab time to work on projects from yesterday. Then we went outside to run relays around the school and rotate through track and field centres: ball throw, shot put, and long jump. After gr7's reviewed for their science test, they worked on researching the advantages and disadvantages of the Hoover Dam. Gr6's read chapter 12 of Jean Baptiste, coureur de bois.

Science/Math:
Gr6's wrote the orthographic and 3D isometric views geometry test with great success. All achieved level 4! They also started the next unit on transformations. Gr7's wrote the matter and materials science test. Some will have to finish it tomorrow.

Remember tomorrow is early dismissal at 1:15pm:)

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:

We went to the computer lab this morning. Gr6's researched their Canada involved humanitarian organization. Gr7's learned about rivers and researched the importance of major rivers in the world. In gym, we rotated through ball toss and long jump centres to prepare for track and field.

-Mme. McCurdy

English language:

We are starting an exciting new unit in language. The students got to hear about the upcoming business project that will incorporate strands from math, language and media. For one facet of the project, students will create a television advertisement for a product or service that they will be selling. In anticipation of that task, we spent some time familiarizing ourselves with basic media production scripts. The students had to deconstruct an existing TV advertisement into its basic video and audio components. The students will begin to develop their business plans on Wednesday.

Math:

Today was all about percents. Students learned how to relate percents to fractions and decimals. They learned how to estimate percents from fractions with regular and irregular denominators. The grade 7's learned the correct method for calculating percentage using a calculator. The students then worked on some percentage problems from the text. Then we played a game I called "percentage approximator showdown" where competing students had to estimate a percentage from a fraction flashcard (and the student with the closest estimate stayed on).  

- Mr. E

French language:
In art, students learned about surrealism and perspective. They worked on drawing 3 dimensional rooms.

-Mme. McCurdy

Math: 
The students worked on some cross-strand math assessment questions for the first part of the period. They then finished up with their Apartment Architect challenge.

We also finished off yesterday's game of Taboo for the last 15 minutes of the block.

Homework:

Grade 6's - please complete any unanswered questions from the EQAO practice package.

- Mr. E

While gr6 participated in OPP kids, the gr7's attended a presentation on mental health. Then we came back and sculpted melting clocks similar to those painted by Salvador Dali. Once dry they will decorate the display case at the front of the school.

-Mme. McCurdy

Math:

We started off the period exploring/reviewing the relationship between metric units of mass (mg, g, kg, t). The grade 6's then worked on some questions from the textbook while the 7's worked on calculating the perimeter and area of combined figures. The students worked on their apartment architect challenge for the last part of the period.

English Language:

The students worked on their word association and oral communication skills by creating and playing a custom game of "Taboo." Each team had to create the clue cards (including the taboo words) for the opposing team. The played several rounds and were deadlocked in a tie when the bell went. We will finish up tomorrow.

- Mr. E  

Because we have two Fridays schedules in a row, we lose tomorrow afternoon's science/math block. As a result, gr7's had science and gr6's had math this morning. Gr7's completed a lab to separate mixtures and learned about waste water treatment plants. I am still waiting for previous labs to be handed in... Gr6's finished building and drawing isometric views of 3D shapes. They even completed the practice test. Science and math tests will be Tuesday, May 3.

-Mme. McCurdy

The students took part in the Earth Day hike this afternoon, which took place during middle block.

Math:

We spent the first part of our math period reviewing various 2-dimensional representations of 3-dimensional shapes (top view, front view, side view, mat view). The students then returned to their Apartment Architect challenge.

English Language:

With a view to augmenting the variety and clarity of sentence structure in the students' written work, we spent some time on the proper use of colons, semi-colons and other punctuation.

Homework:

Finish off the punctuation worksheet on semicolons.

- Mr. E

French language:
We watched trailers of French films from the last two film festivals and learned about the Cannes film festival. After the gr7's left for the French film festival, the gr6's went to the gym. We had it all to ourselves:) Some played with scooters and others played volleyball and badminton. Then we read Jean Baptiste and discussed the culminating project for social studies (see pages). Since this project is  a brochure to be completed in class and requires computer lab time, I have not set a due date.

Science:
Gr6 students wrote the electricity unit test. Then we started the geometry unit with isometric views of 3D shapes. There will be a test on isometric shapes on Tuesday, May 3. Upon their return, gr7's tested rain, bottled, and tap water for on pH and hardness.

I have updated the calendar until the end of the year. I am running the Heroes for Hope event on Friday, June 17. This is a fundraiser for cancer and supports local families to help pay transportation costs to treatments. Evan Burke is shaving his head and I am donating my hair. We would be thrilled to receive any donations towards the cause. Thank you in advance for your support:)

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:

Gr7's researched the causes, effects, and solutions of greenhouse gases. Gr6's researched various Canadian peace and humanitarian organisations. We played volleyball in gym.

Chris Fell, The Meaford Independent, took photos of our Concours participants and Science fair winners. I am hoping they will be in next weeks edition. Look out for those papers:)

I am still looking for permission forms for French Film Festival tomorrow (gr7's only) and Earth Day hike on Wednesday. No slip no trip:(

-Mme. McCurdy

Math:

 To begin, we took some time to review and practice sketching 3-dimensional shapes in proper perspective. I have notice that this specific skill has needed attention in some of the students' work on measurement. The students then returned to their Apartment Architect challenge. I am hoping that we can wrap this task up on Wednesday.

English Language:

The students read and responded to a short poem entitled, "Husky Team." They practised crafting short answers which include evidence from the text (using quotations) and their own ideas.

Homework: 
1) Complete final short answer question from "Husky Team"
2) Complete 'book fair announcement' writing task

-Mr. E

French language:
While gr6's attended OPP Kids, the gr7's completed the climate graph test. Then we went to the gym to play handball.

Science:
Gr6's reviewed electricity for the unit test (see Pages) and watched a Bill Nye episode about electricity. The gr7's completed a lab to test tap, rain, and bottled water for pH and hardness.

Important: Chris Fell from The Meaford Independent is coming to our class on Monday to take a picture of our science fair participants. Please remember to bring medals.

Congratulations to Geneva Hindle for winning the Historical Thinking Skills award at the Grey Roots Heritage Fair for her project on the history of the Canadarm.

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:

This morning we walked to GBSS to see a film called, Luna the Whale. This was to celebrate National Film Day and Earth week.

Also we wish the best of luck to Geneva Hindle and Carter Swanson who are competing at the Grey Roots history fair tomorrow.

-Mme McCurdy

Math:

Our math block was shortened somewhat due to a later return from the film and an extended recess/nutrition break. The students started working on a new hands-on challenge ("Apartment Architect Challenge") involving surface area and volume of rectangular prisms. They will continue to work on this task for the next few periods, and it will mark the end of our measurement unit. Click here to see the task overview.

English Language:

Today was the last day for students to draft, conference, revise and submit their persuasive essays. I will do my best to have them marked and ready to be returned sometime next week.

- Mr. E

French language:

During the double period of gym, students completed the beep test and played with the Omn-ikin ball. Gr6 students caught up on social studies and Jean Baptiste novel. Gr7's reviewed climate graphs to prepare for test on Thursday, April 21 (see Pages) and read another chapter of Le valise d'Hana.

In Science:
Gr6's learned about static electricity, magnets, and using electricity carefully. There will be a test on Tuesday, April 26 (I will prepare test summary). Gr7's learned about pH and tested various liquids to see if they are basic or acidic.

Please remember to bring permission form for tomorrow (Luna the Whale at GBSS).

-Mme. McCurdy

French language:

This morning gr6's continued to learn about tourism connects us to the world and catch up on previous social studies work. The gr7's continued to work on climate graphs and what influences climate (this is for homework). In gym, students played different versions of dodgeball. We will be starting track and field outside tomorrow. Please make sure you are dressed appropriately.

-Mme McCurdy

Math:

This afternoon, the grade 7's worked on some review problems involving surface are and volume. The grade 6's had a lesson on comparing and converting between the standard units of measurement for volume/capacity (cm3, m3/mL, L). They then applied their learning to some questions from the textbook.

English Language:

For the first part of the language period, we worked on developing the following skill for formulating short-answer responses: Incorporate textual evidence directly into your sentence structure using punctuation marks or paraphrasing. The students then read a short biographical passage on Gordon Lightfoot and then formulated responses to short-answer comprehension questions, using the skill described above.   

We went down to the lab for the second part of the language block to work on persuasive essays. Unfortunately, the network happened to be down so the students were not able to be as productive as hoped.

Homework:
1) Volume and Capacity Math Homework Package - Due Monday, April 25th
2) Persuasive Essay - Due Wednesday, April 20th (at the end of the day)

- Mr. E

Apologies for my lack of blogging. I had to get a new computer and forgot how to install our blog. I had to wait for Mr. Embacher to help:) Thank you Mr. Embacher!

French language:
Congratulations to our gr6 Junior Science Fair participants. Bronze medals went to Cameron Collins, Emma Cornelisse, Tayah Davies, Mia Tullio, and Grace Woodhouse. Mya Lister won a silver medal. Geneva Hindle won a gold medal and wowed us all by also winning grand champion with her Canadian Nuclear Society award. Well done!

Yesterday, gr7's went to GBSS to watch 'Outside', presented by the Roseneath theatre. The play was about bullying and suicide. The gr6's had OPP kids, learned about Canadian tourism in social studies, and helped Mr. Balen's core French students. In science, gr6's solve electrical problems read about factors to test for water quality.

This morning, gr6's completed science quizzes while the gr7's completed an activity about water acidity. Then we walked to Meaford Hall to watch 'Racing to Zero'. The film was how San Francisco is creating full loop recycling for all their waste. We should think about some of these ideas for science fair next year...

Mme. McCurdy

Math:

The students worked on some problems calculating the surface area and volume of right prisms as well, as some combined 3-D shapes.

English Language:

Students continued to work on their persuasive essays in the lab. They are due next Wednesday.

- Mr. E